Mu Lambda Theta, the Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) Club at San Jac, is expanding awareness of a healthcare profession that plays a critical role in patient diagnosis while strengthening leadership and professional development opportunities for students in the program.
“Mu Lambda Theta is open to students enrolled in the Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program who are in good academic standing and genuinely committed to the profession,” says Professor Tincilley Abraham, MS (Microbiology), M(ASCP) CM, MLT (ASCP) CM, Program Director and Clinical Coordinator of Medical Laboratory Technology.
“The students who get involved tend to be the ones who take pride in precision and detail, actually enjoy lab days, want to grow professionally beyond just passing exams and care about leadership and service,” says Abraham.
The organization was established on campus to support and recognize MLT students committed to excellence within the profession. Members typically meet once a month during the semester, with additional meetings scheduled during busy seasons such as graduation and recruitment events.
“During active event seasons, especially near graduation or campus-wide events meetings, may increase based on planning needs,” says Abraham, “events are usually hosted each semester, with heavier involvement in the spring when graduation and recruitment activities are happening.”
The club’s mission centers on professional growth and public education.
“The mission of Mu Lambda Theta (MLT Club) is to promote academic excellence, professional development, leadership and awareness of the Medical Laboratory Technology profession,” says Abraham, “most people have no idea who runs the lab results that guide 70% of medical decisions.”
To promote awareness across campus and in the surrounding community, the club organizes interactive and educational events.
“We promote awareness through campus health science fairs, interactive lab-based booth activities like hematology slides, microbiology simulations and chemistry challenges, guest speakers from hospital labs and specialty areas, professional development workshops including resume building, interview preparation and ASCP exam discussions, as well as community outreach events,” says Abraham.
Most meetings are held in designated classrooms or laboratory spaces on campus, while laboratory-related demonstrations take place in MLT lab facilities. Outreach events are typically hosted in campus common areas during institutional health fairs and community-focused programs.
Abraham says that understanding the field is essential for both students and the public.
“Because we are the backbone of diagnosis and most people do not know we exist,” says Abraham. “Medical Laboratory Professionals detect infections, crossmatch blood for transfusions, identify leukemia through peripheral smears and monitor chemistry values that guide treatment decisions. Yet patients rarely meet the professionals behind those results.”
Since joining Mu Lambda Theta, students have experienced academic, professional, and personal growth.
“Students develop stronger study habits and accountability through peer collaboration and leadership roles,” says Abraham. “They build resumes, practice communication skills, interact with professionals in the field and gain confidence before entering clinical rotations. Some begin the program quiet and unsure by graduation, they’re leading events, speaking publicly and mentoring incoming students.”
For students considering a career in Medical Laboratory Technology, Abraham offers direct advice.
“Be ready to work hard; this is not an ‘easy healthcare degree,” says Abraham, “you need discipline, critical thinking, attention to detail and emotional maturity. If you love science, enjoy solving problems and want to contribute meaningfully to patient care without being at the bedside, this is an incredible career.”
For more information contact t[email protected].
